Helmet liner



G. M. LARSON HELMET LINER March 20, 1962 Filed Nov. 24, 1958 ($1.5M M 'IHesmg INVENTOR.

United States Patent Ofitice 3,025,525 Patented Mar. 20, 1962 3,025,525HELMET LINER Glen M. Larson, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor, by mesneassignments, to Mine Safety Appliances Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., acorporation of Pennsylvania Filed Nov. 24, 1958, Ser. No. 775,765

9 Claims. (Cl. 2-3) v The present invention relates generally toprotective hats and more particularly to a novel liner for use withhelmets and the like. Specifically, the instant construction comprises aliner especially suitable for use with socalled bump hats, and whichincludes novel means for adjusting the size of the liner in severaldirections and for removably attaching it to the helmet, whereby oneliner will fit all wearers.

Throughout the application, reference will be made to a helmet, but itis to be understood that the novel liner disclosed herein can be usedwith various types of rigid or so-called hard hats, as well as theaforementioned bump" hat.

Although helmets and helmet liners have been employed for many years,the liners in use at the present time are not completely satisfactory inthat they are unduly costly and have had to be stocked in various sizes.Many prior liners do not fit the wearers head properly, making itdifiicult to maintain the helmet in position, particularly when thewearer has to bend over and assume awkward positions, as for example, ona construction job.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novelhelmet liner which can be easily and quickly adjusted to properly andcomfortably fit the head of the wearer regardless of the size and shapeof the wearers head. More particularly, it is an object to provide sucha liner which includes means for quickly and easily adjusting the linercircumferentially and also in the vertical direction so as to controlthe position of the helmet relative to the top of the wearers head.

Another object is to provide a liner of universal size which can beshipped in a folded or flattened position so as to conserve space. Moreparticularly, it is an object to provide such a liner which includes acradle member which can be pivoted to a position adjacent to and in thesame general plane of the headband member.

Yet another object is to provide such a liner which includes means foreasily and quickly attaching it to and removing it from a helmet.

A further object is to provide a liner which contains novel attachingmeans which is adjustable to compensate for differences in head size,while at the same time maintaining the liner spaced from the helmet.More particularly, it is an object to provide such a liner whichincludes means for fastening it to the helmet and for adjusting thelongitudinal position of the helmet relative to the wearers head.

Another object is to provide a liner which is made from a relativelyinexpensive and readily available material, and which can be easily andquickly fabricated.

A further object is to provide a simple and relatively inexpensiveadjusting means for both the headband and the cradle member.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be readilyapparent from the detailed description which follows, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawing wherein a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is shown.

-In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet containing a liner constructedin accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on theline 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken on theline 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line 5-5 inFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical. sectional view similar to FIG. 5,showing an alternate type of snap construction; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the helmet liner per se.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, thenumber 10 (FIG. 7) indicates a liner embodying the teachings of thepresent invention, which is particularly adapted for use with a helmet12 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The liner .10 (FIG. 7) is preferably made from a tapelike polyethyleneextrusion for reasons of economy and also for advantages in constructionwhich will be discussed more fully hereinafter, and comprises a headbandmember 14 and a single cradle member 16 which is pivotally attachedthereto by means of rivets 18' and 20.

The headband member 14 has two overlapping ends 22 and 24, the end 22containing a series of equally spaced apertures 26 and the end 24containing two outwardly projecting studs 28 which are spaced apart adistance equal to some multiple (preferably three) of the distancebetween the apertures 26.

Each of the studs contains an enlarged head portion which is slightlylarger than the size of the apertures 26 (note FIG. 3 for similarconstruction on another portion of the liner), but because the materialfrom which the liner 10 is fabricated is resilient and flexible, theenlarged ends of the studs 28 can be easily forced through the apertures26, but at the same time the material is sufliciently resilient so as tomaintain the connection until it is desired to separate the two membersas by pulling them apart.

As will be readily apparent from a consideration of FIG. 7, theeffective size of the headband 14 can be easily and quickly adjusted bymoving the position of the studs 28 relative to the apertures 26. Forfurther convenience, the various head sizes can be marked on the innerface of the headband adjacent the various: apertures.

One important advantage of the double stud construction on the headband14 is that it obviates the necessity of having a loop around the end 24to receive the end 22, as is necessary with the known belt-typeadjusting means. This is particularly true if the tape-like material hasa tendency to curve, due to the manner of extrusion or due to windingthe extruded material on rolls before use in the invention, and if thetape-like material is oriented so that this tendency to curve makes theend 22 lie close to the main band. If desired, however, a loop can beemployed to anchor the free end 227 Secured to the front portion of theheadband 14 (FIGS. 3 and 7) are two spaced studs 30 which are used foradjustably attaching a forward adjusting strip 32 to the headband 14.Each of the free ends of the strap 32 contains a series of spacedapertures 34 whereby the length of the strap 32 between the studs 30 canbe varied within predetermined limits, for adjusting the forwardposition of the helmet on the wearers head, as will be described morefully hereinafter. The strap 32 (FIG. 7) also contains two spacedapertures 36 near the center thereof for at- 3 taching the strap to thefront portion of the helmet 12 (FIG. 3), as will be described in detailhereinafter.

Returning to a consideration of the single cradle mem- 361 16 which ispivotally fastened to the headband member, it comprises two elements 38and 4f), the upper ends of which overlap as shown most clearly in FIG.7. The element 38 preferably contains a series of spaced aper- Lures 42which receive the spaced studs 44 which are fastened to the element 40.It will be readily apparent that :his construction provides the sametype of adjustability and reliability for the cradle member 16 as itprovides for the headband 14 by the similar stud and apertureconstruction previously described.

The adjustability of the cradle member 16 is important in that itpermits an accurate and comfortable positioning of the helmet 12relative to the top of the wearers head. Thus, it can be adjusted sothat the helmet will not be so low as to obstruct the wearers vision,nor so high as not to afford adequate protection for the sides of hishead. if this refinement is not desired, however, the cradle member 16may be a unitary element formed of the tape-like material.

At the lower end of each of the cradle elements 38 and 49 is a tab 46(FIGS. 7 and 2) which is preferably cut out from the body of the cradlemember, and which contains an aperture 48 adjacent the free end thereoffor removably and pivotally fastening the liner 10 to the sides of thehelmet 12, as will be described more fully herein after.

Referring to FIG. 1, it will be noted that the helmet 12 (which ispreferably of a molded plastic construction), contains two spacedremovable studs 50 at the front portion thereof, the enlarged inner endsof which extend inside the helmet and protrude through the apertures 36in the forward adjusting strip 32 (FIG. 3) previously described.

At each side of the helmet 12 (FIG. 1) there is a series of spacedapertures 52 (three are shown in the drawing), at least one of whichcontains a removable stud 54 similar in shape and function to the studs50 at the front of the helmet. The enlarged inner ends of the studs 54extend through the apertures 48 in the tabs 46 of the cradle ele ment(FIGS. and 2) so as to pivotally support the sides of the liner inspaced relationship with the helmet 12.

All of these studs previously referred to function in the same manner inthat the large free ends thereof are inserted through the aperturescontained in the lining members. The ends of the studs are slightlylarger than the apertures, but because the plastic material from whichthe liner is made is flexible and resilient, the material around eachaperture flexes outwardly so as to enlarge the opening and permit theentry of the end of the stud, and then resumes its original shape so asto hold together the stud and the plastic member until they areintentionally pulled part. Each of the studs thus constitutes oneattachment element co-operative with another attachment element, e.g.,the aperture receiving the free end thereof, to connect the two adjacentmembers linked by the stud.

However, if it is desired to use some other material for the liner 10,as for example a fabric which is not resilient, the aforementioned studand aperture construction can be replaced by a conventional two-piecemetal snap device. Referring briefly to FIG. 6, it will be noted that amale member 56 of such a device can be substituted for the aperture 43in the tab 46, and a female member 58 can be substituted for the stud54. Obviously, in such an alternate construction, it is necessary to usea plurality of such female members on each side of the helmet 12 inplace of the apertures 52 previously described (FIG. 4).

Turning next to a consideration of the liner 10 as it is fastened withinthe helmet 12, it will be noted that the adjusting strap 32 holds thefront portion of the headband 14 securely in position relative to thefront part of the helmet, and in spaced relationship therewith (FIGS. 2

and 3). The tabs 45 in turn pivotally secure the sides of the liner 111to the side portions of the helmet and in spaced relationship therewith(FIG. 5).

As previously mentioned, the circumferential or effective size of theheadband 14 can be easily and quickly adjusted by means of the apertures26 and the studs 23. Also, the vertical position of the helmet 12relative to the wearers head can be readily adjusted in like manner bymeans of the apertures 42 and the studs $4 on the cradle member 16.

If we assume, for example, that the wearer has a relatively small headand desires to have the helmet centered on his head as to the front torear direction, he can move the studs 30 to the outermost apertures 34in the adjusting strap 32 so as to move the front portion of theheadband 14 away from the front of the helmet, and then adjust theposition of the tabs 46 on the studs 54 accordingly. On the other hand,if he desires to have his forehead close to the front of the helmet, hecan move the studs 30 to the innermost apertures 34 in the adjustingstrap 32.

Also, if the wearer has a relatively narrow head, the length of the tabs46 on the cradle elements freely permits the inward movement of thesides of the headband 14 relative to the sides of the helmet.

Because the cradle member 16 is pivoted to both the sides of the helmetand to the headband 14, and is made from a fairly stiff material, itwill automatically pivot to the proper position within the helmet whenthe size of the headband is varied, so as to permit the headband 14 toconform to the shape of the wearers head.

Because the liner is easily and quickly adjusted both circumferentiallyand vertically so as to fit heads of various shapes and sizes, it isonly necessary for dealers to stock one size of helmet and one size ofliner.

The pivoted connection between the headband and the cradle memberpermits the liners to be shipped in a flattened position. In addition,the pivotal connection between the headband and the cradle membertogether with the pivotal connection between the sides of the liner andthe sides of the helmet permits the cradle to pivot so as toautomatically compensate for the various head shapes and sizes.

The liner is preferably made from a tape-like polyethylene extrusionbecause this material is readily available and relatively inexpensiveand is easy to fabricate. Also, due to the flexibility and resilience ofsuch material, it can be made to function as one element of therelatively inexpensive stud and aperture fastening means previouslydescribed.

The use of the two spaced studs in conjunction with the spaced aperturesin the plastic material, maintains the overlapped members in alignmentand obviates the need for a separate loop for receiving the free end ofone of the overlapped members, as in a conventional construction.

While it is preferred to employ two removable studs 51) to secure thestrip 32, it is within the scope of the invention to rivet or otherwisesecure the strip 32 directly to the helmet 12 and employ the studs 30for detachably connecting the headband 14 to the strip 32. The helmetscan then still be stacked for storage or shipment and can be readilyassembled to the headband 14 and its connected elements when preparingthe helmet for use.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawing have been given only by Way of illustration andexample, and that changes and alterations in the present disclosure,which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, arecontemplated as within the scope of the present invention which islimited only by the claims which follow.

What I claim is:

1. A liner for use with a helmet having a front portion and opposed sideportions, comprising a tape-like annular headband having a front portionand opposed side portions; means for removably attaching the frontportion of the headband to the front portion of the helmet; a singlearcuate tape-like cradle member having the ends thereof pivotallyfastened to said opposed side portions of the headband, said headband,attaching means, and cradle member being made of a material which isflexible yet sufficiently rigid to tend to retain its shape; and meansfor pivotally and removably attaching the cradle member to the sideportions of the helmet adjacent the ends of said cradle member, themeans for attaching the cradle member to the helmet being spacedvertically from the pivotal attachment of the cradle member to theheadband to provide for angular displacement of the cradle memberrelative to the headband when the latter is moved longitudinally of thehelmet.

2. A liner for use with a helmet having a front portion and opposed sideportions, comprising a tape-like annular headband having a front portionand opposed side portions; means for removably attaching the frontportion of the headband to the front portion of the helmet in adjustedspaced relationship; an arcuate tapelike cradle member having the endsthereof pivotally fastened to said opposed side portions of theheadband, said headband, attaching means, and cradle member being madeof a material which is flexible yet sufficiently rigid to tend to retainits shape; a longitudinally extending tab cut'from and connected to thecradle member adjacent each end thereof; and means for pivotally andremovably attaching the free ends of said tabs to the helmet at the sideportions thereof.

3. A liner for use with a helmet having a front portion and opposed sideportions, comprising a tapelike annular headband having a front portionand opposed side portions; means for removably attaching the frontportion of the headband to the front portion of the helmet; an arcuatetape-like cradle member having the ends thereof pivotally fastened tosaid opposed side portions of the headband, said headband, attachingmeans, and cradle member being made of a material which is flexible yetsufficiently rigid to :tend to retain its shape; a longitudinallyextending tab cut from the cradle member adjacent each end thereof by aU-shaped out leaving the tab attached to the cradle member at the baseof the cut and providing tabs with free ends that can be displaced fromthe plane of the cradle member; and means for pivotally and removablyattaching the free ends of said tabs to the helmet at the side portionsthereof.

4. A liner for use with a helmet having a front portion and opposed sideportions, comprising a tape-like annular headband made from materialwhich is flexible yet sufficiently rigid to tend to retain its shape,and having a front portion and opposed side portions; means forremovably attaching the front portion of the headband to the frontportion of the helmet in adjusted spaced relationship; a single arcuatetape-like cradle member made from material which is also flexible yetsufficiently rigid to tend to retain its shape, and having the endsthereof pivotally fastened to said opposed side portions of theheadband; and means for pivotally and removably attaching the cradlemember to the side portions of the helmet adjacent the ends of saidcradle member, the means for attaching the cradle member to the helmetbeing spaced vertically from the pivotal attachment of the cradle memberto the headband to provide for angular movement of the cradle memberrelative to the headband when the front portion of the latter is movedrelative to the helmet.

5. A liner for use with a helmet having a front portion and opposed sideportions, comprising a tape-like annular headband made from materialwhich is flexible yet sufficiently rigid to tend to retain its shape,and having a front portion and opposed side portions; means forremovably attaching the front portion of the headband to the frontportion of the helmet; a single arcuate tapelike cradle member also madefrom material which is flexible yet sufficiently rigid to tend to retainits sha and having the ends thereof pivotally fastened to sai opposedside portions of the headband; a longitudinal] extending tab formedintegral with the cradle membi adjacent each end thereof; and means forpivotally an removably attaching the free ends of said tabs to ti helmetat the side portions thereof.

6. A liner for use with a helmet having a front portic and opposed sideportions, comprising a tape-like annul: headband having a front portionand opposed side po tions; an arcuate tape-like cradle member having theenr thereof pivotally fastened to the opposed side portior of theheadband; an adjusting strap having a center po tion and two ends; meansfor fastening the ends of ti adjusting strap to the front portion of theheadband i spaced relationship; means for removably attaching ti centerportion of the adjusting strap to the front portic of the helmet; andmeans for removably attaching ti cradle member to the helmet at the sideportions thereo said headband, cradle member, and adjusting strap beinmade of a material which is flexible yet sufficiently rigi to tend toretain its shape.

7. A liner for use with a helmet having a front portic and opposed sideportions, comprising a tape-like annul: headband having a front portionand opposed side po tions; an arcuate tape-like cradle member having tlends thereof pivotally fastened to said opposed side po tions of theheadband; a strap having a center portic and two ends; means forremovably fastening the enr of the strap to the front portion of theheadband in s lected spaced relationship whereby the length of the strabetween the fastening means can be adjusted within pr determined limits;means for attaching the center p0 tion of the strap to the front portionof the helmet; ar means for removably attaching the cradle member to tihelmet at the side portions thereof, said headband, crad member, andadjusting strap being made of a materi which is flexible yetsufficiently rigid to tend to retai its shape.

8. A liner for use 'With a helmet having a front po tion and opposedside portions, comprising a tape-lil annular headband having a frontportion and oppose side portions; means for adjusting the size of theheat band; an adjusting strap having a center portion and tn ends; meansfor removably fastening the ends of tl adjusting strap to the frontportion of the headband selected spaced relationship whereby the lengthof tl adjusting strap between the fastening means can be a justed withinpredetermined limits; means for attachir the center portion of theadjusting strap to the front po tion of the helmet in at least twoplaces; a single arcua tape-like cradle member having the ends thereofpivotal fastened to said opposed side portions of the headban alongitudinally extending tab formed integral with tl cradle memberadjacent each end thereof; and meat for removably and pivotallyattaching the free ends 1 said tabs to the helmet at the side portionsthereof, sa headband, cradle member, and adjusting strap being mat of amaterial which is flexible yet sufficiently rigid tend to retain itsshape.

9. In combination, a helmet having a front portir and opposed sideportions; at least two laterally spact attachment elements supported bythe helmet adjace the front portion thereof; a plurality of laterallyspact attachment elements at each side portion of the helm a tape-likeannular headband positioned within the h met and including a frontportion and opposed side pc tions; means for varying the effective sizeof the hea band; an adjusting strap having a center portion and tv ends;means for removably fastening the ends of the a justing strap to thefront portion of the headband selected spaced relationship whereby thelength of t' adjusting strap between the fastening means can be a justedwithin predetermined limits; attachment elemer at the center portion ofsaid strap in removable engag nent with the attachment elements at thefront portion if the helmet; a single arcuate tape-like cradle memberraving the ends thereof pivotally fastened to the opposed ide portionsof the headband; a longitudinally extending ab connected to the cradlemember adjacent each end 5 hereof; and an attachment element adjacentthe end of ach tab in removable and pivotal engagement with one f theattachment elements at the side portion of the ielmet adjacent thereto,said headband, cradle member, 11d adjusting strap being made of amaterial which is 10 lexible yet sufficiently rigid to tend to retainits shape.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSStrauss Feb.

Ludwell Dec.

Malcom Mar.

Turner Aug. Lewis Feb. Grancsay et a1. Aug. Bowers Sept. Simpson Mar.

